The VA Business Start Up Course

Are you an experienced PA / Executive Assistant?


Are you fed up with commuting?

Would you like to choose the people you work with?

Would you like to choose your own working hours?

Would you like to fully utilize and increase your skills?

Would you like to create the freedom to live the life you really want?

Are you ready for a challenge...?


If you answered "yes" to more than one of these questions then chances are you are ready to take charge of your life!

A VA, or Virtual Assistant works from their own (home) office with their own chosen clients. Today's technological advances enable a VA to work remotely from clients by sharing data over the Internet.  Think what it would be like to work hours that suit you and have no commute!   Working for yourself enables you to focus on the tasks you love and even create a niche working with clients in an industry of your choice.  

To help you on your way there are a few things to consider before handing in your notice and starting your business…

How to be a successful VA: Design a business to fit your life! During the programme we will cover all aspects of starting, running and maintaining a successful VA business.   Topics include:

  • Self-employment - separating the myth from the reality
  • The VA Industry
  • Business Planning
  • What you need to get started
  • Marketing & Networking
  • Managing your time
  • Business Administration
  • Self-care

There will also be plenty of time to explore what this means for you…

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What participants are saying:

 I have just completed a course with Kate which was absolutely invaluable to me and I am now in the process of setting up my own VA business - "Your Virtual Right Hand" and will be up and running no later than mid March 2008.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Kate's coaching programme to anyone.

Margaret Griffiths

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The programme consists of:
  • Tele-class programme  - 7 sessions  - MP3 recordings sent out to participants enabling you to "re-visit" the learning
  • 2 x sessions of individual business coaching (by telephone) - enabling you to fully explore your own personal needs and keep on track
  • Online community (Google Group) - providing the opportunity to share questions and ideas as a group
  • eBook covering all course material - an invaluable reference guide including essential resources, saving you time and money in business set up!
  • Series of Expert tele-classes - specially invited "experts" will share their secrets (both pre-recorded and "live" classes)  - topics/dates TBC
   
An additional coaching package is available should you require extra support through your initial start-up phase – just ask for more details!


Size of the Group:

What makes this programme even more special is that we only work with 8 people in each group.   This ensures each participant receives a high level of individual attention from their trainer and feels fully supported within the group.   And remember this programme is for people who are interested in utilising their skills to create their own businesses and live the lives they choose.   Is that you?

So sign up quickly before the places are taken, there is due to be a high demand for the forthcoming programmes!

Your investment is £497.00 payable online by credit or debit card.

(The full cost of the course can be offset as a business expense). 

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What participants are saying:

 Thank you so much for the first module.  I never realised how amazing it could be to click with other like-minded people by phone.

Micala Wilkins
Alacim Associates

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Your Course Leader:

Kate Bacon, experienced London executive assistant started http://www.katebacon.com 5 years ago when she became tired of commuting between Brighton and London every day.

“I knew I had the skills of an excellent PA and wanted to work from a place I loved – fitting work around my life.   I learned by trial and error and have found out what works and what definitely does not!   I want to share my knowledge and experience enabling you to make the right choices when considering starting your own business as a VA.

With the right mix of clients in place I now am in control of my life, make more money without the commute, the weather and the stress.   I work with clients I love, support them to excel in their own businesses and have the satisfaction of knowing I did it all myself!”
Course Outline (format for tele-class series):

1. The Basics: What is a VA?
  • What is a VA?
  • How does a VA differ from a PA?
  • The Industry
  • Resources


2. Business planning: what’s your vision for your business?
  • What’s your vision for your business?
  • How many hours do you want to work?
  • How are you going to finance your business?
  • Working part time whilst building your business
  • Fees: hourly and retainer
  • A steady stream of clients


3. The nuts & bolts: how to get started
  • What equipment do you need?
  • Systems and software
  • Sole Trader or Limited Company?
  • Setting up a business bank account
  • Book-keeping
  • Taxes / VAT: do you need an accountant


4. How to get clients: the easy way
  • Finding your niche
  • Setting up your website
  • Marketing
  • Networking
  • The power of referrals
  • The Law of Attraction: a different way of marketing
  • Building client relationships: creating excellence


5. Your first client: "How To" checklist
  • Client consultation: are you a good match?
  • VA Agreement: setting your boundaries
  • Invoicing: getting paid on time
  • Client collaboration: building relationships that last
  • Sharing information with clients over the Internet


6. Managing your time: how to make it work for you
  • Juggling client workload
  • Business administration
  • Business / family commitments
  • Quality time for yourself

  
7. What it really means to be self-employed: separate the myth from reality
  • Employment: safe, constrained, stuck?
  • Self-Employment: freedom, feed your soul?
  • Qualities and personality needed to run a business
  • Designing a business to fit your life!

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What participants are saying:

I am really enjoying the course and have learnt such a lot already.  You have put a huge amount of work and time into it, and into answering our questions and understanding and replying to us as individuals.  It is all working really well for me.  You've been so positive and encouraging; you've even referred a potential client to me!  Thanks so much, Kate.

Janet Walker
www.janetwalker.net

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ENROLLMENT

Courses are held on different days/times to accommodate participants.  You may choose from the following:

FORTNIGHTLY Group Tele-Class: commences Thursday, 18 September 2008 at 7:30pm BST

WEEKLY Group Tele-Class: commences Tuesday, 28 October 2008 at 1:00pm GMT
Participants may enroll at any time up to 48 hours prior to the next course.  (Please note places are strictly limited to 8 per course, so early enrollment is advised to secure your place!)

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW, by making payment using the secure server, CLICK HERE.

Cancellation Policy: please note that fees are non-refundable (but at the course leader's discretion) may be transferable to the next course.


 1-2-1 OPTION: PERSONAL MENTORING WITH COURSE DIRECTOR, KATE BACON

Would you prefer to work 1-2-1 with Kate Bacon?  All the material in the Group Tele-Class Option will be covered - however, you will be working personally with the course director by telephone.  BOOK HERE and we  will contact you to set up your personal schedule.


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What participants are saying:

I can HIGHLY recommend (Kate's) brilliant start-up course to anyone who is just joining the world of Virtual Assistance.  I'm enjoying our weekly (tele-classes) enormously and learning absolutely loads as I go...

Kate Hope
www.katehope.co.uk

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I very much look forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey to live the life you love, take control of your working life and make it work for YOU!


Pier to Peer Coaching: helping you design a VA business to fit your life!